Abstract
A stirring/mixing device is provided, comprising a container and a motorized stirring element that permits substances within the container to be stirred without an attendant. In a preferred embodiment, two blades are provided that are shaped to push material away from the wall of the container and fold the substances together so as to provide a substantive mixing of whatever is placed within the container. The device can be configured so that mixing is controlled by a panel or remote control and the speed and direction can be adjusted, such that proper mixing is achieved without direct supervision. To provide proper force, the blades can be attached on a gear drive that rotates about the opening of the container
Claims
1. A self-stirring system for use with a container on a heat source, comprising: a container, having an interior portion having an inner surface comprising a continuous wall of a desirable height and a floor, for holding one or more substances to be mixed; element having a motive means and at least one dependent blade for folding together one or more substance within the container, the dependent blade having a blade profile comprising an advantageous length and width such that an element of the blade profile is in continuous contact with the inner surface wall of the container and is contiguous with the inner a stirring surface floor of the container, to substantially continuously mix the substance for a desired time while the substance is affected by the heat source.
2. The self-stirring system of claim 1, wherein the motive means includes a motor and gear assembly.
3. The self-stirring system of claim 1, where the at least one blade is a first blade and a second blade, each of which being advantageously placed to affect a volume of the one or more substances to be mixed.
4. The self-stirring system of claim 3, where the first blade comprises an element having several surfaces configured to lift and fold the one or more substances to be mixed.
5. The self-stirring system of claim 3, where the second blade comprises a flexible element configured to continuously contact the inner surface of the container along its entire height, so as to cause the one or more substances to be mixed to be pushed off of the wall, and a volume adjacent the wall, and towards the first blade.
6. The self-stirring system of claim 3, where one or both of the first blade and the second blade includes a foot element, adjacent to the floor of the container, to lift the one or more substances to be mixed from the floor of the container so as to better mix the one or more substances to be mixed.
7. The self-stirring system of claim 3, where the first blade and the second blade are attached to a toothed gear ring, sustained about the top circumference of the container, in mechanical engagement with the motive means, to cause the first blade and the second blade to effectually rotate about the interior portion of the container.
8. The self-stirring system of claim 1, where the stirring element is controllable by a remote control device, such that the rotation of the at least one dependent blade can be at least started, sped up, slowed down, reversed or stopped remotely.
9. The self-stirring system of claim 1, where the stirring element is controlled by a control panel on the device.
10. A self-stirring system, comprising: a container, having an inner surface comprising a generally horizontal surface and a cylindrical surface generally perpendicular to the generally horizontal surface, for holding substances to be mixed; a stirring element having a motive means, comprising a motor and gear assembly controlled by a panel on the self-stirring system, and at least one dependent blade for mixing a substance within the container, the dependent blade having a blade profile comprising a suitable length and width such that an element of the blade profile is in continuous contact with the inner cylindrical surface of the container and is contiguous with the generally horizontal surface of the container, to substantially continuously mix the substance for a desired time.
11. The self-stirring system of claim 10, where the at least one dependent blade is a first blade and a second blade, attached to a toothed gear ring, sustained about the top circumference of the container, in mechanical engagement with the motive means, each blade being advantageously placed to affect a volume of the one or more substances to be mixed.
12. The self-stirring system of claim 11, where the first blade comprises, an element having several surfaces configured to lift and fold the one or more substances to be mixed.
13. The self-stirring system of claim 11, where the second blade comprises, a flexible element configured to continuously contact the inner surface of the container along its entire height, so as to cause the one or more substances to be mixed to be pushed off of the wall, and a volume adjacent the wall, and towards the first blade.
14. The self-stirring system of claim 11, where one or both of the first blade and the second blade includes a foot element, adjacent to the floor of the container, to lift the one or more substances to be mixed from the floor of the container so as to better mix the one or more substances to be mixed.
15. The self-stirring system of claim 1, where the stirring element is controllable by a remote-control device, such that the rotation of the at least one dependent blade can be at least started, sped up, slowed down, reversed or stopped remotely.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0080] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention in a closed configuration.
[0081] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1.
[0082] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the stirring unit of the device of FIG. 1.
[0083] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H are views, from various perspectives, of elements of various aspects of the device of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a stirring/folding element of the device of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a right-side perspective view of a stirring/folding element of the device of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a stirring/folding element of the device of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 8 is a left-side perspective view of a stirring/folding element of the device of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a stirring/folding element of the device of the present invention.
[0089] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior of a device of the present invention.
[0090] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.
[0091] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.
[0093] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the exterior of another embodiment of a device of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a remote control for use with the device of the present invention.
[0095] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a control panel of the type used to control the action of the present invention.
[0096] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a communication device showing an App comprising a control panel of the type used to control the action of the present invention.
DETATLED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0097] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown, in the drawings, several presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (Detailed Description of an Illustrative Embodiment) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0098] The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention references the attached FIGS. 1 through 9 and alternative embodiments in FIGS. 10 thru 14.
[0099] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1, there is shown the cooking pot 1 of the present invention, known by its brand name STIRWARE which is a product of Stirware Corporation of Santa Cruz, California, and is referenced generally in this figure and throughout the figures, at reference numeral 1. In FIG. 2, there is shown more particularly the main components of the device: a see-through cover or top 2, a battery and motor holding ring or mount 3, which has incorporated therein at opposing sides, a battery compartment 4A and a motor compartment 4B. The compartments 4A and 4B are configured to house their respective nominal key componentsa power source such as a blade battery and a driving or motor source. The power source is preferably a battery or whatever type of power source that can fit into a compartment 4A. It should be noted that the compartment 4A can be configured in other ways such as to house different power sources, having other shapes and sizes not herein disclosed, and include such things as a power port for the attachment of electrical current, all without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Similarly, the motor source may consist of various types of off the shelf or specifically designed motors that can provide sufficient and consistent power to drive the stirring mechanism later described herein. The invention is not in the specific power or motor source, but in the configuration of mount 3 such that these items are housed or incorporated into mount 3, such that they are not exposed or protrude, and do not impede the cook in some manner, and are not in the way and are aesthetically incorporated into the present cooking pot 1. They are, of course, essential components to drive the stirring system, but the goal is to protect them and make them virtually hidden to the user.
[0100] The present stirring system can operate on internal battery power (no external wiring over the cook surface) or, for cook surfaces that do not present a fire hazard, it can remain plugged into an external power source for unlimited stirring time. Note that it is preferred that the cover is completely or at least partially see-though and thus made of any see-through material such as glass or other materials that are food safe and can sustain high cooking heat.
[0101] Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, there is depicted the pot base 5, which includes, a bottom 5A, opposing handles 5B and 5C and a top perimeter or lip 5D. There is also depicted the main stirring mechanism 10 that consists of the mounting or main ring plate 6 that is itself configured to have mounted or otherwise integrally attached the main motor source 7, stirring blade or paddle 8 and a battery or power source 9. The handles 5B and 5C are designed and configured to receive within the periphery of each handle the compartments 4A and 4B so that when the mount 3, comprising main ring plate 6 and main motor source 7, coupled to the underside of mount 3, and mount 3 is placed onto the lip 5D of the pot base 5, the pieces, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 will fit or stack together to form the present cooking pot 1 (as shown best in FIG. 1).
[0102] FIG. 3 is an engineering CAD drawing showing, in an exploded view, the main ring plate 6 and motor source 7, as previously described in reference to FIG. 2. Notable in FIG. 3 is ring gear 11 which drives the stirring system 10. The power source 9 provides electricity to the motor source 7 which in turn drives the ring gear 11 which then drives or moves the blade 8 around the inside of the pot base 5. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention uses ring gear 11, as opposed to a traditional center post driving source, to avoid the difficulties of having a motor drive at the center of the opening of pot 5, to allow the user ease in adding ingredients, or tasting the food, as it is being cooked. A large diameter ring gear 11, therefore, is preferred as it allows better access and visibility into pot base 5. Rather than using a common direct drive from the center, ring gear 11 removes an obstacle that is present in prior available stirring mechanisms. The ring gear 11 also tends to create a smoother and more consistent stirring action in the pot as it moves the blade around the inside of the pot base 5. The stirring is therefore effectuated by the mechanism that runs on a circular track around the top rim of the pot 1.
[0103] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4H, all shown together on one page, there is shown, in different perspective views, some of the main components of the present invention. There is shown in greater detail the main ring plate 6, along with the pot base 5, bottom 5A, opposing handles 5B and 5C and a top perimeter or lip 5D, the main motor source 7 and stirring blade or paddle 8. The blade assembly 8 itself is shown in more detail in FIG. 4 as it shows the two blade arms 8A and 8B. Blade arm 8A is shown to be in position to wipe the inner side surface 12 of pot base 5 and blade inner arm 8B (including the bottom scraping blade section 8D as shown best in FIG. 4D, act to wipe the inside bottom surface 13 of the pot 5, with each rotation, to avoid the tendency for food to clump and help to avoid localized thickening, common when stirring devices only stir the interior of a pot. The main structure of blade inner arm 8B works together with blade inside arm 8A to create the inventive stirring motion acting to push, flip, and fold the contents of the pot. The inner arm blade 8B in motion causes several vectors of fluid dynamics to blend ingredients better than the user could do with a standard manual utensil.
[0104] The scraping blade section 8D is shown herein as a backward sickle shaped scraper, but it is envisioned that many other designs could be used here, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The critical feature of the design of blade section 8D is to provide for a geometry that drives the contents of the pot 5 to the inside wall 14 of the pot thereby using the inside wall 14 as an opposing surface that lifts food up and over the blade section 8D. Further, the sickle blade 8D stops short of the pot corner so that foods, such as melted chocolate, rice, sauces and the like, has an escape path for whatever food product may have piled up there in a push broom fashion.
[0105] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, depicting the blade assembly 8 in greater detail. Here it can be seen that the blade 8 has a unitary structure that has two main blade arms 8A and 8B and an upper section 8C that would be mounted using any typical securing means to the main ring plate 6. It is the blade assembly 8 that is driven by the ring gear around the inner periphery and bottom of the pot 5. Shown also in FIG. 5 is the bottom scraping blade embodiment section 8D. This scraping blade design is the preferred, but not only, design embodiment. This design has been found to address and solve the main deficiencies of the present state of the art in automated stirring cookware system because this design uses this two-blade system whereby the blade assembly arm 8A wipes the side of the inside of the pot 5 and pushes the contents over back into the middle of the pot while blade 8B wipes the inside bottom of the pot 5 to avoid clumping and spot thickening. This dual simultaneous action of scraping and enveloping creates a motion that flips and folds the contents of the pot to avoid burning while sauting.
[0106] Turning to FIG. 6, there is again shown from a different perspective the current preferred embodiment of the blade assembly 8 having the two blade arms 8A, configured to scrape the insides of the pot and 8B configured to scrape and help fold and flip the contents of the pot in the center. The curvatures of the blade arm 8B is more clearly shown in FIG. 6. It can be better appreciated that these curvatures used for 8B are fairly pronounced such that it creates a consistent stirring of the contents while it pushes the contents and thereby causes the contents to fold up and over, which can be critical in some recipes. This design is not only intended to mimic the motion of an actual human hand in stirring and folding, but allows for a more consistent, even, and well-timed stirring function. As long as there is a power source to run the motor, this stirring does not stop until so desired or otherwise programmed, as discussed below. Therefore, the issues addressed above regarding some users, who may want to do things other than stir, such as socialize with family or guests, tend to other distractions, or whom have physical limitations or just getting tired, are alleviated.
[0107] FIG. 7 shows yet another perspective view of the blade 8, this time from the top, while FIG. 8 shows the blade 8 from a perspective that shows the inside design of the blade assembly arm 8A and the blade arm 8B and clearly shows the design of bottom scraping blade section 8D. It can be seen, from these angles, how the bottom scraping blade section 8D should lay in an abutting fashion against the bottom surface of the pot 5. FIG. 9 shows the blade 8 from what is a front view of the blade, again showing blade assembly arm 8A and the blade arm 8B, while also showing the curvature of the lower section of 8B, namely at reference number 8E. This curvature has been found to help create the pushing, folding, flipping and overall stirring function of the blade.
[0108] Blade 8 is preferably made of a compliant silicone, rubber or plastic, with an interference fit to the pot surface. As will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the material used in creating blade 8 can be of other substances which are found to hold-up to heat, are sturdy enough to push, fold, flip and scrape contents that might have some weight but also be pliable/flexible enough to create the preferred interference fit while not getting stuck against the surfaces of the inside of the pot and surviving, in such condition, the heat needed to mix and cook the food contained therein.
[0109] In another embodiment, the blade 8 can be separated into two distinct sections where the side wiper is alone on one side and the center and bottom blades stay together as one on the opposite/other side. It will be understood, that in various embodiments, the design of the battery housing and the gear housing can be structured to sit on top of stir-ring 11, within a semi-circular housing located across from battery and gear housings. This design would replace the compartments 4A, 4B, on top of the handles shown in the figures, thereby making the overall look more streamlined. It will be seen that a circular arrangement of cells within the annular housing of the ring gear can function to create a more compact overall package and design while continuing to create the desired result that inspired this design, as noted below, with referenced to FIGS. 10 thru 14.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the present invention shows a transparent cover 2 which itself is of course not new, but fixed onto the cover 2 as the handle/knob 20 is a timer 22. Furthermore, there is included a USB port 14 integrated into the mount 3. It will be understood that any type of electrical connection, including micro-USB port, USB C port, and others, can be substituted for the USB port noted, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. The device illustrated is meant to assist in recharging a battery (not shown) used to drive motor source 7. The blade 8 is detachable in this embodiment. Also shown is the blade ring 11 onto which the stirring mechanism 10 is mounted and mechanized. It should be noted that the attachment points can be on one side where the three blade designs (stirring, side wiper and bottom wiper) are all together and are attached with several screws into the stir ring structure 10. They may also be split so that those several screws remain to attach the stirring blade 8A and the bottom blade 8D, but the side wiper 8B would be attached with two screws directly across from the other attachment points.
[0111] More particularly, FIGS. 10 and 11 depict the motor and battery assembly, also called the blade ring attachment 10 of the present embodiment, that is all built-in and designed to be integrated into the mount 3. These figures also depict, as will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, that the blade 8 can be detached (for replacement or to provide a blade having a different profile). Also shown in FIGS. 10-14 are blade ring attachment points to which the mount 3 (or the blade ring attachment means) can be affixed in a manner known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, such as with fasteners such as screws and the like.
[0112] FIGS. 15 and 16 are illustrative of control apparatus for use with any one or more of the devices previously disclosed herein. It will be understood that the drive motor source 7 can have incorporated therein, means, known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, for starting, pausing and stopping the movement of the blades 8, by driving the motor source 7. Additionally, it will be understood that the added refinements of increasing the speed of rotation or reversing the direction and setting a timer to better manage the length of the stirring/mixing period are also operations that the users of the present invention would find convenient. As shown in FIG. 16, a panel having push button controls for these features is provided, in a preferred embodiment, on control panel 14 on pot 1, in a convenient location. Panel 14 can be wired to motor source 7 in a conventional manner to provide the features noted. Referring now to FIG. 15, a remote control 16 is shown having the same, or similar functionality shown in panel 14. Remote control 16 can have a transmitter 17 for sending signals to pot 1, for example to a receiver 18 on panel 14. It will be understood that the received 18 can be located directly on motor source 7 or any other convenient place that allows remote control 16 to act thereon. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 17, the functionality of the present invention can be run using an application 18 on a smart phone or tablet 19. It will also be understood, by persons having ordinary skill in the art, that the type of signal can include any type presently used today, including Bluetooth, WIFI or IR, without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Symbols on the remote control 16, panel 14 and mobile device application 18 are designed to coincide with symbols typically used, which will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. Through these devices 14 and 16, the device of the present invention can be started, paused, its direction reversed, and the speed of stirring increased or decreased, as desired by the user. Additionally, the remote control 16, allows a user that has a disability or is otherwise fatigued, to control the stirring (including long-term stirring as required by some recipes) without having to rise and walk to the device, in order to modify the process.
[0113] While the present invention has been shown and described in the figures, it is capable of embodiment in various forms, and there is described herein the presently preferred and known alternative embodiments. It will be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments discussed or illustrated. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.
